1. Overview
George Philip Nicholas Windsor, Earl of St Andrews, born on June 26, 1962, is a prominent British philanthropist and former diplomat. He is the elder son of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, and Katharine, Duchess of Kent, making him the heir-apparent to the Dukedom of Kent. As a second cousin of Charles III, he currently holds the 43rd position in the succession to the British throne as of 2025. Lord St Andrews has had a diverse career, including service in the Diplomatic Service and involvement in the antiquarian book trade. He is also actively engaged in various charitable endeavors and currently serves as the Chancellor of the University of Bolton.
2. Early Life and Education
George Windsor's early life was rooted in the British royal family, and his education prepared him for a career in diplomacy and public service.
2.1. Birth and Family Background
George Philip Nicholas Windsor was born on June 26, 1962, at Coppins in Iver, Buckinghamshire. He is the eldest child of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, and his wife, Katharine, Duchess of Kent, who was born Katharine Worsley, daughter of Sir William Worsley, 4th Baronet. At the time of his birth, he was 10th in the line of succession to the British throne. His birth was assisted by the royal obstetrician, Sir John Peel. He was christened on September 14, 1962, in the music room at Buckingham Palace by Michael Ramsey, the Archbishop of Canterbury. His godparents included his uncle Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh; his aunt Princess Alexandra of Kent; his uncle, Oliver Worsley; and Lady Lily Serena Lumley, who was the daughter of the 11th Earl of Scarbrough.
2.2. Education
Lord St Andrews received his education at prestigious institutions in the United Kingdom. He attended Eton College, a renowned independent boarding school for boys. Following his time at Eton, he pursued higher education at Downing College, Cambridge, where he successfully earned a Master of Arts degree in History.
3. Career and Professional Activities
George Windsor has pursued a varied professional life, spanning diplomacy, commerce, philanthropy, and academia.
3.1. Diplomatic Service
Lord St Andrews embarked on a career in diplomacy, serving in the His Majesty's Diplomatic Service. His diplomatic postings included assignments in New York and Budapest, where he represented British interests abroad.
3.2. Antiquarian Book Business
After his tenure in the Diplomatic Service, George Windsor transitioned into the antiquarian book business. He notably worked for Christie's, a prominent auction house known for its sales of art, luxury goods, and rare collectibles, including books.
3.3. Charitable Activities and Patronage
George Windsor is extensively involved in charitable work and serves as a patron for numerous organizations. He has been a trustee of the SOS Children's Villages UK charity, which provides care and support for children. He is also a patron of the Association for International Cancer Research, contributing to efforts in cancer research. Additionally, he was a patron of the Clifton Scientific Trust, an educational charity dedicated to providing young people with experiences in the fields of science and engineering. In April 2012, he became a trustee of the Next Century Foundation, a charity focused on promoting peace and understanding throughout the Middle East. Furthermore, he serves as a trustee for the Global eHealth Foundation and is a patron of the Welsh Sinfonia, a professional chamber orchestra.
3.4. University Chancellor
On March 30, 2017, George Windsor was installed as the Chancellor of the University of Bolton. In this role, he serves as the ceremonial head of the university, representing it at various official functions and contributing to its strategic development.
4. Personal Life
George Windsor's personal life includes his marriage and the raising of his three children.
4.1. Marriage and Children
On January 9, 1988, George Windsor married Sylvana Tomaselli, a Canadian-born academic. Their marriage ceremony took place at the Leith Registration Office near Edinburgh, Scotland. Together, the couple has three children:
- Edward Windsor, Lord Downpatrick (born 1988)
- Lady Marina Windsor (born 1992)
- Lady Amelia Windsor (born 1995)
5. Royal Status and Succession
George Windsor's position within the British royal family is defined by his lineage and has been significantly influenced by historical acts of succession.
5.1. Lineage and Succession
As the elder son of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, George Windsor is the heir-apparent to the Dukedom of Kent. He is a direct descendant of George V, being his great-grandson, and is a second cousin to Charles III. As of 2025, he holds the 43rd position in the succession to the British throne.
5.2. Impact of Marriage and Religion on Succession
George Windsor's marriage to Sylvana Tomaselli, who is a Catholic, had a notable impact on his position in the line of succession to the British throne. Under the historical Act of Settlement 1701, individuals who married Roman Catholics were disbarred from inheriting the throne. Consequently, George Windsor temporarily lost his place in the line of succession upon his marriage.
However, his succession rights were later restored following the enactment of the Succession to the Crown Act 2013. This legislation, which came into force in 2015, removed the disqualification for marrying a Roman Catholic, although it maintained the provision that a monarch must be in communion with the Church of England. Despite the restoration of his own rights, his elder son, Edward, Lord Downpatrick, and his elder daughter, Lady Marina Windsor, converted to Catholicism. As the Act of Settlement also stipulates that a person who is a Roman Catholic is ineligible to succeed to the throne, their conversion means they do not hold a place in the line of succession. His youngest daughter, Lady Amelia Windsor, remains in the line of succession, currently positioned after him.